How long to give a BA

I have engaged a BA to find me a place in Brisbane. I must say, my request is rather specific (only specific suburbs, price range) and BA confirmed that they should be able to find a place within that criteria.

From the very start, they did indicate that it will take some time because a) my request is rather specific and b) they will not just buy whatever property.

I paid the deposit and now it has been three weeks. Granted that we had two short weeks (Easter).

What is the normal timeframe usually? Whenever I message the BA they answer very promptly something along the lines “I’m monitoring the areas, will get in touch as soon as something comes up”.

I also sent a couple of suggestions (links from real estate) and they replied with detail (example one looked like would need a lot of fix up and they think I can find better value and another they didn’t like due to proximity to a highway).

So far, I think I’m happy. I’m just wondering should I just accept radio silence or should I keep emailing them once or twice a week? Not sure really... don’t want to come across as needy. But also how do I know they are actively looking and don’t forget about me?

Thank you for any ideas and directions.

 

Hmm. I think 3 weeks, especially with Easter break in between is very reasonable. The market is usually dead during that time so they will not have a lot of options to send you.

Maybe keep emailing them once a week. Something like “Wondering how the search is going” etc. no harm in asking.

 

3 weeks is not long, but the lack of transparency is an issue. I wouldn't be happy with radio silence.

I engaged a BA in BCC and the process was clearly defined from the start. I had access to their shortlisting process, and could see them updating information on the properties as they ruled them out or promoted them as recommended. A weekly phone call was arranged to discuss progress.

If you think there are properties that remotely match your criteria, they should be shortlisted and reviewed systemically, and the criteria for ruling them out should be well documented.

 

Thank you @jprops. That’s what I thought. I’m novice and that’s why wasn’t 100% sure about what to expect. I’ll probably give them a call tomorrow to touch base.

 

Are there any pointers on what to ask? How to open communication channels?

 

I underwent similar situation. Have they shortlisted any properties at all or at least shared some they've looked at by decided not to go with ?

Be mindful that I felt once my BA thought they found a property that was good enough, it was a bit of a 'sales' mode they went into. There was a bit of unspoken pressure to quickly decide and agree with them to take the property. As time went by and more properties were viewed but not found suitable, it felt like they dropped their criteria or bar a bit to just try find a property you'll buy. And if you let the pressure of feeling like its taken-too-long-and-you-just-want-to-get-it-done - you may feel a bit trapped. I know BAs are meant to make things easier and less pressure, but in reality that was from an experience I had

 

Did the agreement with them state how often they would communicate with you?

Generally it can take 2-3mths to find something with very specific features/budget but I would want to have a weekly up date saying that they are still looking.

 

hi @Nervous, you might be over thinking ( concerning), as you stated that your requests are specific, it will take time to find a suitable one, 2-4 months is not uncommon. if the BA has something readily available, I will be more worried.

maybe ask the BA to give your regular updates, say once a week, email or phone call, just to see where they are at.

 

Seems everyone wants instant these days.

 

As a BA myself I can tell you our average time to find and secure a property is about 2-3 months. For very specific criteria this can be 6 months. As your BA said l, they don’t just want to buy anything just for the sake of making a purchase.

Once a week communication is pretty standard. How do you know that they are not doing anything? I’m sure they want to earn it success fee not just a retainer they have probably already spent.

Relax and let them do their work.

 

Thank you all. I do agree that I might be overthinking. I’m just slightly uneasy with the silence. Though as mentioned they always reply pretty fast after I email them.

I was thinking of giving them a call and asking for a weekly update. But then again, if there is nothing that fits the brief they can’t say much other than “still looking “.....

 

It not as easy as people think that line of employment ,could take six months ..
Plus as I have been trying to find a location for one of our daughters ,and looked at over 50 properties over the past 6 months..

 

Yes. That’s why I engaged a BA. It took me 3 months to find 2 properties and at the end of the day, they had issues that stopped me from buying any.

It would be nice though to have updates. Just to stay in the know.

 

3 weeks is not a long time, particularly when tainted by several public holidays. Bear in mind that while the BA could in theory contact you each week to say "We're still looking" it will not speed up when the correct property for you is found.

It sounds like the BA has already demonstrated doing the right thing by you and not just jamming you into the first property that comes along but rather to continue looking until the right thing comes along. The BA needs to be constantly on full alert so that when the correct property comes up, they're on it. This is a bigger task that it might seem. Your BA cannot control when the owner of a property that is perfect for you suddenly decides to list it for sale. This can happen when your BA is trying to have dinner with their family, or thought they were going away for the weekend but now are not since inspections and contract paperwork to be done, or indeed, it can happen when your BA is tied up on calls to clients. Imagine if a selling agent were trying to call your BA with a tip-off on an off-market opportunity but couldn't get through at that time because your BA needed to spend time on the phone letting you know that they are still looking for a property for you. Selling agents can be very edgy with off-market opportunities and move on to the next potential buyer very quickly. Ideally the BA should be left clear to receive these messages and not be tied up doing things that don't contribute towards getting the right property for you the client.

There is a fine balance between keeping up the communications so you feel as though you are being looked after, and interfering with the BA's ability to do the best job possible for you. Many of my clients want to be left alone to get on with their busy days and not bothered with details of the property search until THE right property is found. They are too busy to receive calls that don't really add value. They want to know only when the right property is found and to jump on it swiftly before someone else does.

 

The issue isn't the three weeks, it's the lack of communication. Your BA should be providing you with updates and if they aren't doing that, they should tell you how frequently they will be providing updates so that your expectations align with what they plan to deliver.

 

That's the best idea in my view, give them a call, communication is much clearer that way than email.

 

I often get over 50 emails a day. It's really easy to get distracted or overlook some. Picking up the phone is a lot more effective for getting someone's attention.

 

Definitely over thinking it. A lot of people want communication to feel like there is movement in the process - but don't understand that progression is not linear in these processes (ie they can't call up and say they're 50% of the way to finding the right property for your brief).

Two weeks in and linking them to properties on Real Estate etc - I'd leave them be and let the professional find the most suitable property for you.

 

I would be concerned if your BA is sending you properties very often or several in one big lump - just to show you they are "working". As you mentioned - the property you are looking for is very specific or something you cannot easily locate yourself. As long as the ones they are sending you tick your boxes, then you know you are inching closer to the one you do end up buying. The reality is that good properties just aren't that easy to find or don't come around every day - otherwise BA's won't exist

Personally, if my clients allow it, I add them on whatsapp. In 2018, there are more ways to communicate than just email or phone between the hours of 9-5. Clients regularly ask me random questions outside of hours and I don't mind spending 10 seconds when I have a moment to respond. Makes communication a lot easier and personable and can share links and pics without any fuss